Riccò led to a French police station earlier this month after his doping positive was announced

It has just been reported that 24-year-old cyclist Ricardo Riccò has admitted to having doped in preparation for the Tour de France. The rider tested positive for a new form of EPO – Continuous Erythropoietin Receptor Activator (CERA), following the 4th stage of the Tour.

According to Italian news agency ANSA, the former Saunier Duval rider made the admission at a hearing before the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on Wednesday.

“Speaking to the anti-doping prosecutor, I took full responsibility for my actions,” Riccò told ANSA. “Prior to the Tour, I made a mistake; I took a product that everyone was talking about.” He said he made the decision to dope independently and took the drug outside of the auspices of his team.

I know Ricco is trying to show remorse for what he did, but it was still a stupid move. His actions could have resulted in his team mates losing their jobs. Thankfully US bicycle manufacturer, Scott-USA, stepped in to save the day as the team’s new sponsor when Saunier Duval withdrew their sponsorship as a result of his actions.